Qatar Airways Cargo's Inaugural Freighter Touches Down in Pittsburgh
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways Cargo’s Boeing 777 freighter arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport today to a grand water salute welcome in the presence of dignitaries, officials from Qatar Airways Cargo, Pittsburgh International Airport and media. The cargo carrier launches Pittsburgh as its thirteenth freighter destination in the Americas.
Qatar Airways’ Chief Officer Cargo, Mr. Ulrich Ogiermann, said: “It is a proud moment for us to be the first international airline to commence scheduled freighter services to Pittsburgh, bridging the air cargo gap between Americas, Europe and Asia. The launch of this new route strengthens our commitment to supporting the American import and export markets and offers a direct freighter connection out of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Qatar Airways Cargo’s expansive global network.”
Prior to the arrival of the inaugural flight, Qatar Airways Cargo and Pittsburgh International Airport celebrated the launch of this new route, inviting the local business community, freight forwarders and shippers to a networking reception.
"We are thrilled that Qatar Airways Cargo has selected Pittsburgh as its next North American cargo destination. Known for its world-class service, we're excited to welcome them as the first international cargo service to fly from Pittsburgh International Airport," Airport CEO Christina Cassotis said. "I thank Qatar Airways Cargo for partnering with us and recognizing the demand and opportunity, here in Pittsburgh. This global air freight connectivity positions Pittsburgh International as a logistics center for importing and exporting our region's goods.”
Historically known for its robust steel industry, the manufacturing sector in Pittsburgh has diversified over the years, with cutting-edge companies in life sciences, robotics, health care, information technology, nuclear engineering and energy joining leading firms in traditional industries as steel and chemicals. Products that will be transported into and out of Pittsburgh are heavy electronics, high-value goods and pharmaceuticals.
The twice-weekly QR8143 freighter flight takes off from Doha on Wednesdays and Saturdays with stops at Luxembourg and Atlanta, Georgia, before arriving in Pittsburgh. On the return from Pittsburgh on Thursdays and Sundays, the freighter stops at the cargo carrier’s European hub, Luxembourg, before arriving into Doha, Qatar. The introduction of freighters to Pittsburgh will inject an additional 200 tons of weekly capacity, offering businesses in the city and the state with a direct air freight uplift to the cargo carrier’s global network of over 150 destinations.
The United States is a key market for the airline. With the launch of Pittsburgh, the award-winning cargo carrier’s American network has grown to a total of 17 belly and freighter destinations, out of which four are served exclusively with Boeing 777 freighters, namely Mexico City, Halifax, Quito and Pittsburgh. Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its footprint in the Americas with the introduction of four freighter destinations this year; Quito, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Miami, connecting the burgeoning import and export market in the Americas to the rest of the world.